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Barbara Siu Obituary
Barbara loved animals, big and small, with particular fondness for chickens. Those close to her would know her as "Da Chicken Lady, Most Wise of Poultry." She considered herself to have a brown thumb. Her harvest of sugar pod peas and Thai basil in 2017 and later her pitcher plants and her multi-year repotted sundews made her thumb greener. She was kind, generous, loyal, tenacious, honest, courageous, strong and had a quirky sense of humor. She loved barbequing, fishing, YouTube and other video-watching, Garfield the bipedal orange cat, Xena the Warrior Princess and she liked to experiment to find out how things work.
A Class of 1984 Las Lomas High School alumni, Barbara graduated cum laude from California State University, Hayward, with a BS degree in 1989. She received her JD degree from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1992. In 1994, she was admitted to the State Bar of California.
Alas, our sister's life was difficult and rough. She suffered from multiple health problems and other misfortunes, including identity theft and car accidents that were not her fault. Barbara left us far too soon. She left a big hole in our hearts - Gone are laughter, hopes and dreams we had shared. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
Cremated on March 14, 2025, no service was held. A private celebration of life will take place for her immediate family in the summer of 2025. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association or your local animal shelter in Barbara's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Angelina
July 18, 2025
Yes Barbara, been thinking of you the last couple of days for your birthday. Now I think I understand more why people bring food offerings to visit people´s graves. Hopefully Cyndi will eat some food that you like (e.g. Logan) in front of your urn....
Cyndi Albro
July 17, 2025
I yearn for you, Barbara, every day. I wish our weekly visit would continue, so I may tell you happy birthday. Love you, always, Sis.
Ella Siu
May 21, 2025
Wing
The last time I met Barbara (Ah Wing) was in Hong Kong when we were in our teens just before she immigrated to the United States. I am glad we were able to get in touch again via Messenger in 2019, when she shared with me her love for chicken and for all critters. I came to realise that besides being witty and humorous, Barbara was also very gentle. I was particularly touched by Wing´s sensitivity when she sent her condolences after my late father passed on. I was comforted by her kind words.
I pray that God our Father Yahweh will grant eternal rest to my dear cousin Ah Wing.
Ella
Angelina Siu
April 4, 2025
It´s such a nice day today, Barbara. So green and vibrant. I wished you were here to enjoy.... yet you now rest, in peace, my sis.
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Angelina Siu
April 4, 2025
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Angelina Siu
March 30, 2025
Bits and pieces of our childhood memories in HK surfaced:
* Grandma was chasing you around the Lai Chi Kok apartment, trying to get Cyndi and I to block you so she could capture and punish you (you did something mischievous).
* You had a piece of chicken feet hanging from your month after dinner, in the barely lit living room, which sent Cyndi screaming and ran away (she thought you're a ghost!). All the while, silly me was wondering and kept asking how you managed to get your hand to come out of your mouth, because Cyndi and I both thought the chicken feet was your real hand in the very dim light!
* You and I fought like boys with toy swords, and kicked each other's doors in when we were losing and hid in our rooms.
* You and I couldn't bear hearing "Für Elise" for the N-th time and covered our ears to run away from the musical doorbell's melody when someone would visit.
* You and I enjoyed playing and swimming in Shatin's villa and eating soy sauce chicken legs afterwards with cousin Kourch.
How time flies, Barbara. How you and I both grew - growing up and growing older. Barbara, you are quick in thinking, knowledgeable, independent, strong-willed, having a sense of justice and abundant generosity (maybe a trait from dad). I remember in the few times I bumped into you in an Oakland restaurant, you always made sure the waiters/waitresses are well tipped even when you were not that well off financially yourself. You had invited me to join you in some good restaurant shops a couple of times and also shared with me the extra BBQ food that you cooked - Jenny and I enjoyed them as you kept honing your BBQ skills!!
In the months since your first car accident, I'm glad we're able to share more on our thoughts/experiences.
*Thank you, Barbara, for giving me opportunities to help you somewhat during your time of need.
*Thank you, Barbara, for forgiving my inadequacies when I cannot fulfill all your needs.
*Thank you, Barbara, for making me realize that even though we are not the closest, you're still very near to my heart and I missed you dearly.
*Thank you, Barbara, for your presence and sharing part of your life with me.
*And most of all, Barbara, thank you that even in your absence, you reminded me to be a more patient, kinder, and more generous person to others and treat them as I would have/could have/should have treated you.
Thank you, Barbara, for being my sister!
"... what's (our) life? (We) are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." (James 4:14)
Eileen Siu
March 24, 2025
My sympathy to Teresa in the passing of your youngest daughter.
My sympathy to Cyndi and Angelina in the passing of your dear sister.
My sympathy to Doug. You cared like a brother.
I first met Barbara in Hong Kong in the summer of 1973. I remember that she was a happy, bouncy, "chirpy" six year old. Another memory is from the winter of that year. I counted six layers of clothing that she was wearing! This is because there was no central heating in Hong Kong.
From our earliest meeting I was impressed with Barbara. She was a bright light. At meal time, the Siu family followed a particular custom. Beginning with the second oldest person at the table, each person, in turn, would acknowledge by name those who were older. For example, Barbara's dad would begin by acknowledging his mother, " Mama sic fan". Of course when it came to Barbara, being the youngest, she would need to acknowledge everyone. Sometimes there were 12 of us sitting around the table. and she did this flawlessly!
All of my other memories of Barbara are after she immigrated to California. Yes, she was brilliant to excel in all her studies.
More lasting, and more significant, it is her character that I will remember. It has already been mentioned: she was thoughtful, caring, kind. On all special occasions: birthdays, Christmas, Chinese New Year, Mothers' Day, Barbara would send a greeting. Mostly she sent e-cards; sometimes a paper card in the mail. The important thing is that she never forgot.
We are sad because her life became difficult at the end, and I consider her passing tragic.
Yes, Barbara's passing leaves a hole in the heart of each of us.
Let us carry on, and live her legacy: Be kind, Be caring, Be thoughtful.
Irene Siu
March 24, 2025
So sorry to hear of the loss of my cousin Barbara. We are the same age but the last time we saw each other we were about 10 years old! Even though it has been a long time ago, I still remember you as a happy girl with a big smile and a hearty laugh.
Deepest sympathies to Aunty Teresa, cousin Angelina and Cydni.
"May Time Soften Your Pain" by Unknown
In times of darkness, love sees...
In times of silence, love hears...
In times of doubt, love hopes...
In times of sorrow, love heals...
And in all times, love remembers.
May time soften the pain
Until all that remains
Is the warmth of the memories
And the love.
Raeleen Siu
March 23, 2025
I am so sorry to hear of my cousin´s passing. She was authentic, transparent, accepting of others, quirky, generous with her time, opinionated, and had a lot of love to offer family. Barbara: you aren´t suffering anymore; I will remember you fondly as a true Siu and an integral part of our family. Love and hugs to Cyndi and Angelina-I can´t imagine losing a beloved sister. Auntie- my deepest condolences and prayers to you at this very difficult time.
Cyndi Albro
March 22, 2025
My heart is broken as I will never again be able to take a selfie with my sister, hug each other, share our feelings. Gone too soon but never forgotten.
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